Alchemical Yoga Practices

“At the time you wish to recite (the Name) as engraved above with its vocalization, adorn yourself and seclude yourself in a special place… and purify your heart and your soul from all thoughts of the world.”
Rabbi Abulafia

Preparation

Take time to adorn yourself for your practice. This act signifies removing the outer self, and putting on the higher self. This preliminary also allows you time to reflect on the space you are about to create and enter into. Wear simple clothing made of natural fabric of a vibrant color, and use this clothing only for Alchemical Yoga practices. Putting on special clothing for spiritual practice is a symbolic act that represents stepping out of the personality and into the higher self.

When possible, always practice in the same place, and treat your practice area as a sacred space, using it only for meditation, chanting, ritual, and yoga. When you practice with others it is also best to do so in the same area. In this way the energy you generate by your practice will become stronger. Candles, spiritual imagery, and incense may be used, if desired, to aid the energy and fire the imaginative nature.

Quiet your mind, and focus on your intentions before beginning any practice. Offer your attainments for the sake of your own enlightenment, to aid humanity and the world, for anyone you know of who needs healing, and for the glory of the Divine Light. When possible, recite your prayers out loud.

Alchemical Yoga works on the all levels of one’s being, and bringing one into balance upon each of the Four Worlds of Kabbalah. The body exists in the physical world of Assiah. The mind exists in the formative world of Yetzirah. Spiritual creative energy is accessed in Briah. The divine source, which is the Limitless Light of Atziluth, exists at all times, in all places, and throughout every world as spiritual essence. Through Alchemical Yoga, the practitioner is brought into alignment within the Four Worlds.

Concentration

Concentration can be thought of as the application of one’s will to maintain a definite mental focus. This willful intention is a preliminary step in disciplined meditation, but the concept of concentration also implies the accumulation, intensification, and consolidation of great energetic force. This energy is fixed, held, and directed by the presence of defined thought-forms.

Thought-forms are creations made by both the universal and the human mind, and they are generated whenever a thought is held in mind unwaveringly. They are strengthened by emotional energy, and on the human level, thought-forms typically come into being without any conscious intent or awareness of their existence. A thought-form is a non-physical yet tangible configuration of mental energy. Examples of universal thought-forms include angels, demons, dragons, fairies, spirits, gods, and goddesses. The strength and clarity of the thought determines the power and duration of the form.

Though they are invisible, consciously created thought-forms can endure for centuries, and their effects upon physical matter are tremendous. One has only to recall the many stories of humans who have experienced assistance from angels to see the power of deliberate thought-forms influencing the reality of material life. In addition to universal thought-forms such as angels, each person also creates, consciously or unconsciously, a variety of personal mental constructions that impact one’s daily life for good or for bad. Examples of manifestations of personal thought-forms may include chronic illnesses, good or bad fortune, and the routines of daily life.

The concept of thought-forms in Alchemy derives from the Hermetic philosophy of ancient Egypt and Greece. This philosophy is named for the legendary master and teacher Hermes Trismegistus, whose many writings formed the foundation for much of the Alchemy of the Middle Ages. Hermetic philosophy is also considered to have influenced every religion in existence, yet it transcends all religion as well.

The first principle of Hermetic philosophy is: All is Mind - the Universe is Mental, and further holds that the world of forms and images is a mental creation of the Absolute. The important idea to grasp from this principle is that the human being is an integral part of the universal, infinite, living mind of the Divine Creator, and can more consciously apply this law within his/her own life to create more desirable circumstances. Whatever is created by the power of the mind will ultimately manifest on the physical plane.

The ability to create positive and beneficial thought-forms that lead to health and happiness comes about by developing mental concentration and the creative imagination. Alchemical Yoga practices increase these capabilities when they are incorporated as part of one’s daily spiritual discipline. A daily practice is easily to establish and maintain when it reflects one’s true priorities. Self-improvement, a healthier, slimmer body, greater physical and mental energy, and enhanced spiritual connections are among the rewards to be gained through the devoted use of Alchemical Yoga methods.

“The wish, the heart’s desire, the goal to be reached, must be held firmly in mind, vitalized by divine power, and propelled forward into the universe by the fiery intensity of all the emotional exaltation we are capable of.”
Israel Regardie

Imagination

“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination. Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.” Albert Einstein

Alchemical meditation requires the ability to visualize specific imagery, ranging from simple forms to complex movements of energy. Imagination is the key to the human’s ability to change existing conditions and create new circumstances. In children the imagination is fully free; however, over time the child is encouraged by adults to stop imagining; and imagination is dismissed as frivolous, unreal, and deceptive. Consequently, some adults have difficulty accessing the imaginative powers of the mind.

Imagination involves the cultivation and strengthening of an idea that begins as a passive thought. This core idea becomes creative imagination when it is intensified by desire and will. Desire activates the serpent-power, and willpower directs this force toward the manifestation of the idea on the physical plane. Though the creative aspect of this process operates subconsciously, it requires the conscious intention and focus that attends the regular practice of visualization.

In the beginning of Alchemical meditation practice it may seem that one is not actually seeing the images in the mind. This is often due to a lack of consciously perceiving the images that are in fact being formed by focusing on the chosen idea. Do not discourage your efforts with negative thoughts such as “I cannot visualize.” Visualization is natural and occurs for everyone through dreams. It is only a matter of making the images conscious. This is best accomplished by adding sensory input into the images. For example, if one imagines sunlight, the scene will include the tactile feeling of warmth and the scent of fresh air in addition to the vision of bright light.

At first, the visualized images may appear as if one is seeing them upon a screen in front of one’s field of vision. However, it is important to continually work to bring the imagery directly into one’s body and aura. Patiently and steadily persevere with the visualizations, working each time to bring the imagery into your body, and endeavoring to physically feel the impact and movements of the energy. As each meditation is mastered, the visual images will begin to appear spontaneously, and the energy will become stronger and create more profound effects upon the body, mind, and soul.

If you feel that you cannot perceive the images described for meditation, it is important to keep in mind that the practices will still be effective. It is the focused intention of the mind and the activation of the desire that are most important to success. It is possible to work through the visualizations mentally, and to pretend that the images are being seen. Have faith that the practices will bring positive results, and it will be so.

“Imagination is the door leading out of any given situation into another.”
Paul Foster Case in The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order

Alchemical Yoga Meditations

Relaxation Exercise

This exercise should be performed prior to all Alchemical Yoga meditations, and can also be used to induce a deep state of relaxation at any time.

Get into a comfortable sitting position with the spine straight. Do not lie down unless you are performing the exercise as a prelude to sleep. Close your eyes, and visualize a pitcher containing crystalline blue liquid just above your head. See the vessel tip over and the liquid begin to flow into the top of your head. This vibrant blue substance brings deep relaxation into everything it touches. See and feel the fluid entering into your head and face, and feel all of the muscles relax as it contacts them.

As the fluid continues to flow down through the body, all tension is released from the muscles. Continue watching and feeling the relaxing blue liquid moving down through the body, and mentally acknowledge each part of the body as it relaxes, i.e., “my neck is relaxed, my shoulders are relaxed, my arms are relaxed, etc.” Finally, see and feel the blue fluid flow out through the bottoms of the feet and relax the feet and toes.

Next, formulate the image of a small black dot in the mind’s eye. With this dot write your first name. Then write the word, Relax. Write your last name with the dot, and then again write the word, Relax. Dismiss the image of the dot. Drift quietly and peacefully into the silence for a few moments before beginning meditation.

Purifying Light Meditation

Sit in a comfortable position in a chair or on the floor with your spine straight. Close your eyes and inhale deeply, all the way to the bottom of your spine. Slowly exhale, contracting the abdomen, and feel the breath slowly move up and out of the body. Repeat this deep breath twice more.

See in your mind’s eye, a sphere nine inches in diameter, made of brilliant bright white light, sitting at the top of your head. As you visualize this sphere, see it become more radiant. Imagine the white light as living light, see it sparkle and crackle with vibrant energy. Focus on increasing the intensity and action of the sphere of white light for a few minutes.

When you are ready, visualize a stream of white light emanating from the sphere. Imagine the stream of living light flowing onto and into the top of your head, as if the sphere had poured liquid light over you. See the liquid light flowing into your head, and immersing your skull and face in brilliant white light. Work carefully with the imagery until you can see the flesh, bones, brain, eyes, ears, etc., pulsating with vivid white light.

Visualize the stream of light continuing to pour down into your body: into your neck and shoulders, down your arms, hands, and fingers, into your chest, upper back, abdomen, pelvis, and hips, through your legs, and out of the bottoms of your feet. Take your time with the image of the flow, and let your attention dwell on each area as it is saturated with brilliant white light. As the light flows out through your feet, consciously direct it to take with it all impurities, toxins, and negativity.

See all of your vital organs completely bathed in liquid light. Imagine the white light permeating every cell and molecule of your body. Hold this image in mind, and increase its intensity until you begin to feel your body vibrating in the light. Meditate on this absorption in the light for several minutes, consciously directing the light to rejuvenate and regenerate your body, mind, and soul.

When you feel ready, release all visualizations, and meditate quietly without deliberately generating any thoughts or images. Simply be aware of the feelings in your body and on the surface of your skin where it contacts the air around you. Breathe deeply again three times, becoming conscious of yourself in the room where you are seated. Slowly open your eyes.

This meditation will take a little time to master. You may want to make a recording of these instructions to listen to as you work with the visualizations. Perform this meditation once a day at whatever time is most convenient for you.

“The white light of Universal Spiritual Healing is filling my whole being with Cosmic Energy, health, and peaceful vibrations.”
S.G.J. Ouseley in The Power of the Rays: The Science of Color Healing

Sunrise Practice

Face east. Sit comfortably on the floor with your hands resting in your lap.

Slowly inhale all the way to the bottom of your spine, exhale, and relax.

Visualize a brilliant white light at the top of your head. Watch the light become a fiery liquid, flowing down through your body and aura, immersing you in a sphere of crystalline white light.

When the light is steady, visualize:

Hold this image within your mind’s eye while you:

Breathe the Ah-Lahf Breath:

Inhale 8 times, a little sniff through the nostrils drawn in softly and steadily without exhaling, and mentally chant these sounds with each in-breath:

Ah - LahfAll - Life
Ah - LahfAll - Life

Exhale to a slow count of four, chanting mentally:

Ah   LahfAll    Life

Repeat the sequence four times.

Relax into your sphere of white light, and meditate quietly for a few moments.

Bring back the image of:

Hold the image within your mind’s eye in silence… with open awareness… and no thought.

Release the image. Focus your attention interiorly at the brow chakra. Meditate on the chant in harmony with your natural breath, Ah on the in-breath, Lahf on the out-breath, All on the in-breath, Life on the out-breath.

Bring your hands together at the heart in prayer pose.

Inhale deeply as you raise your hands together, stretching your arms all the way up above your head, and lengthening the spine.

Continue to stretch up overhead. Visualize golden yellow light descending into the top of your sphere of white light. See and feel the golden light flowing down into your hands and arms, entering into the top of your head and flowing downward through your body, and out of the base of the spine.

Exhale, separate the hands, and slowly bring them down and around the outer circle of your sphere, and back into your lap.

Still seated within the crystalline sphere, be aware of golden light within the central spinal channel. See and feel this light flowing upward and downward in a double spiral between the base of the spine and the top of the head.

Bring your consciousness into your heart center.

Watch the golden light flow into and through the heart from above and below, mixing with the white light, becoming pale golden white.

Expand the white-gold light outward from the heart, filling your body and aura with radiance, and clarity. Meditate within this sphere of light for as long as you like.

To finish, inhale deeply, and exhale completely.

Give thanks to the Creator, who daily gives life to all.

“Yellow is a positive magnetic color associated to the higher mind and the soul. It is highly inspirational and stimulates deep connectivity between the lower consciousness and the light of the soul.”
Chavah Aima

Lighting the Seven Lamps
(As Performed in Alchemical Yoga Level One)

The Center of the Sun

Chants & Music

“Music is synonymous with activity in the realms of God’s perfection, for every thought and feeling of the Godhead creates a glorious sound…”
Thomas Printz in The Seventh Ray

Sound is the primal vibration that creates the manifest universe. In the microcosm of the human the voice can produce sound vibrations that also stimulate creation. This is the underlying principle at work in Mantra Yoga and it is also given expression through songs, chants, and vibratory practices in the Western occult traditions. Chanting allows the mind to cease its endless production of thoughts and to come into stillness by focusing on the repetition of sacred words and sounds.

The words used in chants and mantras derive their powers from the combinations of letters from ancient sacred alphabets such as Sanskrit and Hebrew. It is said that the letters are the base elements of creation, each one carrying a specific force that enters into manifestation through the power of vibration. Thus in the Kabalistic tradition, the letters that form the names of the Creator in all of its various aspects are considered particularly potent for meditative focus and chanting. In the yoga traditions, the words of the ancient Sanskrit mantras likewise represent vibrations that can awaken divine powers, heal illnesses, and create new circumstances in one’s life.

Chanting invokes these powerful vibratory forces into the physical body, setting up a potent energy field that impacts the cellular level of consciousness. The sounds emanating outward into the immediate environment wherein chanting takes place quickly create an atmosphere of sanctity, attracting celestial beings from the spiritual world such as angels and devas. Over time, chanting sets up a tangible sanctuary formed of divine vibration. Immersion in this energy field not only balances and heals the physical body it also ignites and accelerates spiritual growth and divine awareness.

Music has a long history of use in spiritual practices and religious services. Visitations and appearances of divine beings are often accompanied by the sound of heavenly music. Angels, masters, and saints exist in the fine ethers of spiritual vibration and radiate tones that are specific to each of them. When these notes mingle together, they create divine melodies that soothe the soul. Listening to sacred music can elevate the mind, relieve stress and anxiety, and induce deep relaxation in the physical body. In group rituals, music is used to shift the minds of the participants from it focus on the mundane world into the realm of the divine.

In Alchemical Yoga, certain sounds and chants are used to awaken and activate the serpent power, the divine Life Force within. These chants are specific to the various stages of Alchemical Yoga, and they slowly and steadily open the body and mind to greater illumination. The chakras are associated to the Kabalistic Tree of Life, and the God-names of the spheres of the Tree are chanted for each individual chakra, for specific combinations of chakras, and for the chakra system as a whole.

Ceremony

“Ritual frees consciousness from its self-imposed limits, and gives it wings for its upward flight.”
Dion Fortune in An Introduction to Ritual Magic

Ritual is any act that incorporates specific forms, objects, procedures, and sensory stimuli that are chosen or designed to symbolize an intentional outcome, and that draws a spiritual force that is sympathetic to the intended outcome into the physical plane. During the performance of a structured rite the attention is focused on the prescribed movements and actions, the imagination is inflamed by the presence of conditioned symbols, and the mind is focused on generating thought-forms specific to the anticipated outcome. This concentration of mental and emotional energy elevates consciousness, and creates a magnetized point of contact upon the formative plane that in turn attracts the spiritual force.

The performance of ritual involves the use of powerful electromagnetic currents. The body of the practitioner is the primary conduit for these streams of force. Therefore the body, mind, and emotions of the practitioner must be purified and stabilized before higher level rituals are undertaken. The first rites one performs in Alchemical Yoga are directed at the attainment of this purified state. The breath-work, exercises, and meditations of Alchemical Yoga also serve to clear the physical body and increase the powers of concentration and imagination in preparation for ritual work.

Alchemical Yoga meditations develop the ability to visualize, which is critical to the success of ritual work. Ritual work in turn increases the power of concentration, which strengthens the visualizations in meditation. When a person who is trained to use their mind in such a way performs rituals there is an immediate inflow of power from the higher planes. Through meditation, the mind is liberated from conditioned forms. Through ritual, the mind receives new conditioning that leads to further expansions of consciousness.

Moina Mathers 1865-1928
Priestess of the Rites of Isis

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